The European Union today said that talks between Serbia and Kosovo are off to a positive start in Brussels, after the start of a two-day EU-brokered meeting between the parties.

In a statement, the EU called on both sides to set aside sovereignty issues and focus on a dialogue to "remove obstacles that have a daily impact on people's lives, to improve cooperation, and to achieve progress on the path to Europe."

Belgrade and Pristina had not met directly since Kosovo declared independence from Serbia three years ago, leaving Belgrade to vow it would continue challenging that secession.